Guide to Life with a Deaf Dog: Tips & Advice
Most dogs have remarkable hearing abilities. They can hear high-pitched sounds at frequencies humans are unable to detect. They can perceive noises across long distances — about four times as far as humans can hear.
But good hearing isn’t always a guarantee in dogs. Some dogs may be born with the inability to hear due to a genetic defect or another issue. Or they can experience canine hearing loss as the result of an infection or traumatic injury — or just because they’re getting older.
Read on for everything you need to know about identifying and caring for a deaf dog.
How to Tell If Your Dog is Deaf
What are some signs of deafness in dogs? Dr. Becca Boronat, a veterinarian at Best Friends Animal Society, says there are several things pet parents may notice. For one, the dog’s behavior might change.
“Deaf dogs may not respond to common sounds, such as their name, doorbells, or other household noises,” Dr. Boronat explains, adding that noises like the squeak of a toy may also not elicit a response.
If a puppy is born deaf, they may never develop behaviors that are typical for hearing dogs, like responding to sounds. A new onset of deafness in a hearing dog, however, may look like unexpected behavior changes.
Another indication that a dog is going deaf or has already lost hearing is a change in sleep patterns, according to Dr. Boronat. “They may startle more easily when touched while sleeping since they don’t hear approaching footsteps.”
Yet another sign can be found in how a dog moves. “They might move their head in a searching motion more frequently, trying to visually compensate for the lack of auditory information,” Dr. Boronat says.
Last but not least, she notes that deafness may result in your dog being more anxious or stressed than normal, particularly in unfamiliar situations.
Causes of Deafness in Dogs
What are the causes of deafness in dogs? For some, they’re simply born this way due to genetic factors, toxic exposure, or viral damage during development, according to Dr. Boronat. Hearing loss that is present from birth is known as congenital deafness.
Dogs of any breed can be susceptible to congenital deafness, but there are some breeds that are more susceptible than others.
“Breeds with merle and white coat colors, such as Dalmatians, Bull Terriers, Australian Heelers, Catahoulas, English Cocker Spaniels, Parson Russell Terriers, and Boston Terriers, are commonly affected,” Dr. Boronat says. “The list of affected breeds, now around 100, is growing and may change with breed popularity and selective breeding practices.”
Besides congenital deafness, a dog going deaf — or partially deaf — can be the result of aging, ototoxicity, noise trauma, otitis interna, and anesthesia, among other causes. [1]
Dr. Boronat also explains that sudden dog deafness may stem from different medical conditions, including:
- External ear canal blockage due to long-term inflammation (a condition known as otitis externa)
- Excessive ear wax
- A ruptured eardrum
- Inflammation of the middle or inner ear.
However, she adds, for many of these conditions, a dog’s hearing can come back — or partially return — once resolved.
How to Care for a Deaf Dog
While caring for a deaf dog does present some extra challenges, there are many things you can do to make things easier for both you and your pup.
Tap Into Their Other Senses
Try to rely on visual cues rather than auditory cues when interacting with your dog at home. “Ensure the dog can see you coming to avoid startling them,” Dr. Boronat advises.
Pet parents can also train deaf dogs to respond to hand signals. According to the non-profit organization Deaf Dogs Rock, pet parents can come up with sign cues for their dog’s name, basic commands, and positive reinforcement. For instance, some pet parents rely on the basics of American Sign Language (ASL) to create hand signals for deaf dogs.
When training deaf dogs, Karen Prior Clicker Training recommends using a gentle touch such as a shoulder tap (to avoid startling your dog), flicking lights on and off (such as a flashlight), or vibrations such as tapping or stomping on the floor.
There are also special vibration collars — not to be confused with shock collars — that can be used to help get your dog’s attention, Dr. Boronat says.
Ensure Your Dog’s Safety
Pet parents of deaf dogs need to think about safety, particularly when your dog spends time outside. A deaf dog might be vulnerable to getting hit by a car since they are unable to hear it coming, for instance. “Always keep your deaf dog on a leash or in a secure, fenced area to prevent them from wandering off or getting into danger,” Dr. Boronat says.
Keep Stress Levels Low
One thing pet parents of deaf dogs should try to avoid at all costs is placing extra stress on your canine companions. “Sudden movements or environments with lots of visual distractions might stress a deaf dog,” Dr. Boronat explains. “Introducing new environments slowly can help reduce anxiety.”
Don’t Forget About Check-Ups
Last but not least, it’s important to take your dog to the veterinary clinic for check-ups.
“While deaf dogs do not necessarily need additional medical care related to their deafness,” Dr. Boronat says, “they should have regular check-ups to monitor their overall health.”
Of course, if your dog has an underlying condition that leads to deafness, ensure that they’re getting ongoing treatment.
Dogs and Deafness: In Conclusion
Caring for a deaf puppy or dog might present some extra challenges, but preparation and readiness will make your job easier.
“Patience and understanding are crucial,” Dr. Boronat says. “Deaf dogs rely heavily on their other senses and their bond with their human companions to navigate the world.”
One thing is for sure: deaf dogs can be wonderful companions. If you’re considering adopting a deaf dog, there are several groups in the U.S. that can help facilitate this, including Deaf Dogs Rock, Pink Heart Rescue, and Deaf Dogs of Oregon.
Reference
- George M. Strain, Canine Deafness, Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, Volume 42, Issue 6, 2012, Pages 1209-1224, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cvsm.2012.08.010.
